MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Rev. Steve Gillam
Greetings, everyone.
Don’t you love it when two seemingly unrelated things come together. Two separate thoughts or encounters that meet in your brain and lead you to an “a-ha” moment. Allow me to share one such recent experience.
Someone was talking to me about Lent. Why is it soooooooo long?! I discovered that this person has “given-up” something for Lent and can’t wait for this agonizing period to be over. That, of course, led to an interesting discussion about why people engage in that spiritual exercise, and the suffering and passion themes of this sacred season.
On that same day, I was part of a conversation about working out. No, I wasn’t the one doing the exercising, alas, but we were sharing experiences. Specifically, the sore muscle feeling after a workout. A word popped-up that was new to me. Hypertrophy. Sounds like a super-duper award! Well, it kinda is. It refers to the increase in muscle cells achieved through exercise. The pain/burn one feels actually comes from damage to the muscles, little tears and rips. (I wonder if that’s why we use the words “ripped” and “shredded”?!) The body responds to the pain by stimulating new growth in the muscle. So, apparently, the pain and fatigue that comes with exercising (when combined with rest and care) is important in achieving muscle strength and growth.
Do you see the connection? The things we do during this long period of Lent – the spiritual exercising – may be painful, but it leads to growth.
Having to face the spiritual baggage that we’d rather ignore, helps us achieve growth and newness. Don’t be afraid of confronting mistakes and hurts. Don’t keep yourself from embracing forgiveness and then sharing it because you’re afraid of letting go or of being hurt. Approach your “spiritual spring cleaning” this season with all the grit and focus of an athlete. Don’t let the fear stop you. No pain, no gain! All of those things can work to help make you the awesome blessing that you can be. That you are!
From Paul’s letter to the Romans: “We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with God’s love.” (5:3-5)
Peace.
Rev. Steve
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2023
11:00 a.m.
Lent 5
Worship Song: VU#108 Verse 1
VU#373 “As Comes the Breath of Spring”
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Reflection: Signs of resurrection
VU#703 “In the Bulb There Is a Flower”
Sung Dedication: VU#544 “In Gratitude and Humble Trust”
VU#586 “We Shall Go Out with Hope of Resurrection”
You may join the service via Zoom at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7197797321?pwd=RmF4Q0c1UVJlN1BIaUhEM1gvTk1MZz09
Meeting ID: 719 779 7321, Passcode: 442730
Or by phone at: 438-809-7799
You may view the service from March 19th on YouTube at:
COMING UP:
Balcony Boutique Rummage Sale this Saturday, March 25th from 10 a.m. to noon. Gently used clothing in the balcony, coffee, sweets and good conversation in the hall downstairs.
Zoom coffee, Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. The link for the coffee parties is the same as the one used for Sunday zoom services. If you click on that link on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. you’ll be joining the coffee party!
The Book Nook Lenten display will be in the coffee area after church for you to browse and borrow.
There are still some SJUC glasses in the hall looking for good homes. Feel free to take them.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Meals on Wheels continues to operate from the kitchen at Lakeshore Trinity, delivering 30 hot, nutritious, freshly cooked meals each Tuesday and Thursday to elderly clients in our neighbourhood. The program relies on a large team of volunteers who take turns to grocery shop, cook, deliver meals, and clean up in the kitchen. Co-ordinator Joan Pitcairn reports that the team could use more help. If you would like to be a part of this valued service in our community, please contact Joan by email at: pitgib@videotron.ca or by phone at: 514-632-3263.
Cooks Angie and Pam preparing a delicious Thursday lunch of pork roast, mashed potatoes with mixed vegetables, and baked date squares for dessert. Yum!
ST. PATRICK’S BRUNCH
There were lots of bagels and cheese, bowls of fruit and fresh muffins, and plenty of laughter last Sunday at the St. Patrick’s Day brunch. Everyone was a little bit Irish, as we celebrated together with our friends from St. Edward.
A big Thank You to Fiona Wardrop, and her Welcome and Fellowship team for organizing a wonderful event.
More pictures on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Lakeshore-Trinity-United-Church-101331995747334
CONCERT FOR HOPE
SUNDAY APRIL 2, 2:00 P.M. SUMMERLEA UNITED CHURCH
Maryna Krejcarova invites us to a Concert for Hope, Sunday, April 2nd, at 2:00 p.m. at Summerlea United Church in Lachine. The concert will be performed by talented Ukrainian and Polish musicians (including Maryna), and will feature a diverse repertoire of classical and crossover pieces, including much-loved Polish and Ukrainian songs. All proceeds from the concert will go towards helping families affected by the war in Ukraine.
Tickets for the Concert for Hope are priced at $27.96 in advance on Eventbrite (follow: Concert for Hope: tickets) or $30. at the door.
WE GIVE THANKS
The email address for e-transfer is: ltuc98givings@gmail.com. Please include your envelope number and indicate how you wish to have your offering divided. If not indicated, it will be designated as local offering.
Cheques should be made payable to Lakeshore Trinity United Church. They may be dropped in the mail slot at the church or sent by regular mail if you are not attending church in person.
Rev. Steve Gillam can be reached by phone or text at 514-235-9383 or by email at macduffsdad@hotmail.com.
Lakeshore Trinity United Church
98 Aurora Ave. Pointe-Claire, QC, H9R 3G7
514-697-6459
The church office is open Tuesday to Friday mornings from 9 AM to noon.
email: lakeshoretrinityunited@gmail.com
On Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Lakeshore-Trinity-United-Church-101331995747334
